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Saturday, June 28, 2014

BAM CUP 2014

Every four years the world turns its eyes towards the World Cup as 32 nations battle it out for the title of greatest footballing (soccer) nation. Here at BAM a different competition has begun. As the premier New York venue for international artists, we decided to host our own sporting competition of sorts, the inaugural BAM Cup.

Artists and companies from around the world (and one from USA!), representing performances and films from BAM seasons past and future, are competing in a tournament that quite literally is too abstract to explain. What we can promise is that the results ALWAYS mirror those of the World Cup.

We've watched the group rounds with fervor and anticipation, and the drama has not disappointed: upsets galore, bites, and some truly stellar acting. 16 countries have emerged and the knockout rounds have begun. It’s Art vs Art, Performers vs Performers.

And here are the teams:

Teams still in the mix:

GERMANYBerliner Ensemble
Always a joy to watch, this skillful German team returns to the Next Wave Festival in the fall in Robert Wilson's Shakespeare's Sonnets, with music by Rufus Wainwright.

ARGENTINABrenda Angiel Aerial Dance Company
This "team" (who appeared at BAM with Doug Varone and Dancers during the 2013 Next Wave Festival) moves like no other as they glide through the air. Aerial kicks? Claro que sí.

And those (sadly) no longer in the running:

BRAZILGrupo Corpo
Admired
for its athleticism and blend of Afro-Brazilian and modern techniques,
this dance company from Belo Horizonte was last at BAM during the 2012
Next Wave Festival.

NETHERLANDSToneelgroep Amsterdam
Ivo van Hove's innovative company, last at BAM with Roman Tragedies, returns to the Next Wave Festival this fall with a revelatory take on Tony Kushner's Angels in America.

COLOMBIADanceMotion USA
Our
dance diplomacy program connects American dance companies with
international artists and communities. In its inaugural year,
Brooklyn-based company Urban Bush Women visited Colombia.

URUGUAYGo Uruguay!
BAMcinématek celebrated the films of the South American country in 2009 with a three day series, and very appropriate title.

COSTA RICAJurassic Park
The surprise team of the Cup, and perhaps a surprising choice for a team, Jurassic Park (filmed in the Central American country) is part of the BAM 24 Hour Movie Marathon this September.

FRANCE Théâtre de la Ville
A
theater favorite, this well-respected company always delivers, and
returns to BAM for the 2014 Next Wave Festival with Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author.

BELGIUMRosas
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker is the coach, and Rosas (last at BAM during the 2013 Next Wave Festival) make for a solid team.

MEXICOLos Olvidados
A
fearless gang of kids led by an unforgettable coach (director), Luis
Buñuel's masterpiece kicks off BAMcinématek's month-long retrospective
on July 11.

GREECEThe Humans
Alexandre
Singh's epic piece (2013 Next Wave Festival) was modeled on the
writings of Aristophanes. This Greek chorus needs to work together if it
wants to make it to the next round.

NIGERIAATOMIC BOMB! The Music of William Onyeabor
The
tribute to the elusive Nigerian musician was a true team effort this
past May, with star players David Byrne, the Lijadu Sisters, Dev Hynes,
Sinkane, and more.

ALGERIABattle of Algiers
This
classic screened as part of BAMcinématek's The Music of Morricone
series in March. The team just barely made it into this round, and it
will indeed be a battle against Germany.

SWITZERLANDGilles Jobin Company
This
Swiss dance company will perform at the 2014 Next Wave Festival with
choreography cooked up at CERN, which should undoubtedly help them in
their game against Argentina.

USALA Dance Project
A French director, a new company, and some star names, LA Dance Project (coming to the Next Wave Festival this fall) is turning heads with its fresh approach to dance ...not unlike another American team with a European coach.